Stories for Cooking Together

The winter holidays offer many opportunities for families to cook together. What might sometimes seem like drudgery – preparing meals day in and out – takes on special significance when part of a celebration. Children are often eager to participate in making favorite dishes, baking fancy cookies, and sharing the fruits of their labor.

Help children prepare for fun in the kitchen by reading one of these storybooks about families cooking together and then make plans for some festive culinary experiences at home.

Bubbie & Rivka’s Best-Ever Challah (So Far!). Learning how to bake challah is a family affair in Sarah Lynne Reul’s picture book. Mixing, kneading, and braiding the bread seems easy but Rivka and her grandmother discover that enthusiasm doesn’t guarantee a golden brown loaf. Still, they refuse to give up until their challah is beautiful and delicious. Kids might appreciate their persistence as they practice it themselves while trying out the included bread recipe.

May Your Life Be Deliciosa. Available in English and Spanish, Michael Genhart’s Christmas Eve tale celebrates one extended family’s love affair with tamales. They especially appreciate how Abuela describes the tamale-making process alongside statements invoking abundant hugs and community spirit. Use this story as a springboard for talking about hopes for the new year as well as your own favorite family traditions.

Masala Chai, Fast and Slow. A fragrant tea, masala chai is a favorite hot drink that smells wonderful. But a young boy learns that steeping the perfect chai can’t be rushed. When his Thatha is injured, the boy tries to prepare a steaming cup to make his grandfather feel better. It takes a few unsuccessful attempts, but he gets it right in the end. Author Rajani LaRocca includes a recipe for the tea so children can discover for themselves how to make a proper cup of masala chai.

Tofu Takes Time. Vegetarian families will enjoy this journey from soybean to crispy tofu slices for dinner. A young girl assists her NaiNai in making tofu from scratch. She wonders if all the effort is worth it and decides that homemade tofu is the most delicious kind. Helping kids connect their food with the earth as well as family traditions is one theme emphasized by author Helen Wu.

Soup Day. Many families use holiday leftovers to make soup. This book by Melissa Iwai features a tasty winter soup recipe and opportunities to count and compare different ingredients. It also highlights the need for patience while the soup simmers and models activities children might do while they wait (like reading this story or making a soup-inspired collage).